Launch external investigation into all IPL 2013 games - Manohar

Shashank Manohar, the former BCCI president, has called for an investigation by an external investigation agency of all the IPL 2013 matches. Manohar said the BCCI should not solely depend on the board's and the ICC's Anit-Corruption and Security Units (ACSU) to keep cricket clean as they do not have the authority to track illegal activities - tracking phone conversations, for example.

"The BCCI should immediately file a criminal complaint with the investigating agencies, urging them to probe all 75 games [76] in the current IPL edition," Manohar told the Times of India. "The board should provide them [the investigating agency] with a raw feed of the games as well as CCTV footage recorded at every venue.

"It has to deal with this menace with an iron fist. The board or ACSU do not have any machinery or legal authority to track the illegal activities, so it should not depend on these agencies alone."

His comments come in wake of the alleged spot-fixing in IPL 2013, in relation to which three Rajasthan Royals cricketers were arrested on May 16. The controversy has since grown, with top Chennai Super Kings official Gurunath Meiyappan being arrested for allegedly betting on IPL games, and his father-in-law - who is also the BCCI president and managing director Super Kings' owner, India Cements - N Srinivasan refusing to resign from his post with the Indian board despite mounting pressure to do so.

Manohar said in an earlier interview with the Telegraph that he had spoken to some of the BCCI officials before their emergent working committee meeting on May 19, and told them if they wanted "to clean things up, then do it thoroughly. If, at the end of it all, 13 and not three players are involved in fixing, so be it".

Apart from making sure the IPL is clean, now Manohar said it's important to have stringent processes in place for international cricket played in India too. "The board should approach the central home minister, requesting governmental support in investigating the criminal actions in any event run by the BCCI, which would also include international fixtures. It should request [the minister] to send an advisory to all states one month before the start of an event, so that the investigating machinery can swing in action well in advance to prevent any match-fixing , betting or spot-fixing."

The BCCI, he said, should ask players to register their mobile-phone numbers with the board, so that the investigating agencies could monitor things with more efficiency.

1960 Cricketer would earn Rs 300 /Test Match.He had to depend on his job for survival . Only the Maharaja's could afford to play full time.The Nawab of Pataudi Jr.taught us how to win.1975 saw the era of Ad's and it was not Brylcream and Palmolive where the earnings were just pennies, but ad firms- TV gave cricketers big money.
The entry of Match Fixing in its crude form in 1990's soon had its toll on cricket leaders in S.Africa & India. The new century heralded death knell of Test Cricket and the entry of pyjama less era in cricket - T20 which gratified all.
The greed of the Cricketers , those in control of the game , and gamblers knew no end.The few ancient retired Test Cricketers and advocates of the Gentleman's game were bought over by the rich board and those who really mattered never objected to the vagaries of T20 and the great temptations it offered the young gullible cricketers. The time has come to save Test Cricket have a accpetable IPL & legalise betting.

Rahul
on May 28, 2013, 5:09 GMT

Ahh finally someone who's name is associated with BCCI even in Ex category is talking some sense. Refreshing!

Dummy4
on May 28, 2013, 5:04 GMT

Two of Indian team members for the Championship Trophy are under the scanner of Police in India for their role in 'Spot Fixing' during the just concluded IPL. This development places the Champions Trophy under the cloud. Indian players should be subjected to "lie Detector Test" before being allowed to play.

V.L
on May 28, 2013, 3:52 GMT

As much as we all would love to see it happen, we know that its not going to. An SIT investigation has to be forced upon BCCI and Srinivasan should be removed from power with immediate effect or Indian cricket is doomed for the foreseeable future, especially if Srinivasan is re-elected in September! We have made a good start in our rebuilding process by clean sweeping the OZ but if Indian cricket is to go forward then Srinivasan should step back! God! Sharad Pawar seems like a million times more accountable than this guy!

Dummy4
on May 28, 2013, 3:51 GMT

Everybody has their say about the probing of matches but the thing is that if u keep on increasing the number of matches and unnecessary TRPs involve in the game, it is bound to impact on the natural flow of the game, so its just a simple solution to all these to decrease in the no. of matches and cricket being played all over the world, the quality of the game will certainly rise and hence the standards of the game.

Dummy4
on May 28, 2013, 3:46 GMT

This is what happens when money begin to rule the game and it loses its sanctity. save the game for future generations by banning all leagues of T20 games, the Indian, Australian, west Indian, Sri Lankan, Bangladesh all leagues with immediate effect. The likes of Bradman, Compton, May, Cowdrey, Pataudi must be turning in their graves.

Kashi
on May 28, 2013, 3:43 GMT

Agree with some of the comments about cleaning up the game. And that is of primary importance than figuring out degree of guilt of Srinivasan, Shukla, Jaitley, Manohar, Pawar, Ravi Shastri etc.
It is time of introspect IPL. While Cricinfo has done a great job with several articles including 10 questions to Srinivasan, it is high time to see IPL from cricket point of view - not administration, not corruption, not money and glitter. What if anything has IPL done to cricket and particularly Indian Cricket?. If it is BAD for India Cricket consider scrapping it, if it needs vast improvements analyze them. If it is doing great stuff continue it. Basically examine IPL purely from cricket point of view. What has IPL given in last 5/6 episodes to Indian cricket? Have we seen any new finds who represent India at the highest stage (Test and ODI)? Has the game polished the talents of the young Indian cricketers to perform better. Or has it been the opposite? Right Time Cricinfo did this.

Javed
on May 28, 2013, 2:54 GMT

I think Mr Manohar is too ideal. What evidence would be detected of spot fixing? and if this evidence is taken as such, what happens to those who do so by accident?

Jon
on May 27, 2013, 23:36 GMT

@NaveedKhan- a very good point made sir. The biggest problem with corruption in sport is that it makes the fans second guess everything that they have just seen. If you look at any particular incident that may seem odd different fans may interpret it as cheating. This completely ruins sport and those found guilty must be punished. If you read some comments on this thread it is clear that paranoia and second guessing has already entered into some of this minds of the fans of IPL. This scandal will destroy the validity of the tournament and I wouldn't be suprised if this edition just gone will be its last. I think a huge problem with the IPL is the fact that the pride is superficial and it is not such a burden to bowl an over that must go for x amount of runs.

Ian
on May 27, 2013, 23:25 GMT

There is a lot to be said in favour of a thorough investigation of an international event like the IPL: it's a cricketing event which attracts both a lot of cash and players from many locations and backgrounds. A tournament like the IPL is a magnet to those intent on corrupt conduct. If it's happening, there's a fair chance it'll get detected with thorough investigation, and if it's detected, it might uncover some uncomfortable facts relevant to the entire cricketing world.

Dummy4
on May 28, 2013, 10:30 GMT

1960 Cricketer would earn Rs 300 /Test Match.He had to depend on his job for survival . Only the Maharaja's could afford to play full time.The Nawab of Pataudi Jr.taught us how to win.1975 saw the era of Ad's and it was not Brylcream and Palmolive where the earnings were just pennies, but ad firms- TV gave cricketers big money.
The entry of Match Fixing in its crude form in 1990's soon had its toll on cricket leaders in S.Africa & India. The new century heralded death knell of Test Cricket and the entry of pyjama less era in cricket - T20 which gratified all.
The greed of the Cricketers , those in control of the game , and gamblers knew no end.The few ancient retired Test Cricketers and advocates of the Gentleman's game were bought over by the rich board and those who really mattered never objected to the vagaries of T20 and the great temptations it offered the young gullible cricketers. The time has come to save Test Cricket have a accpetable IPL & legalise betting.

Rahul
on May 28, 2013, 5:09 GMT

Ahh finally someone who's name is associated with BCCI even in Ex category is talking some sense. Refreshing!

Dummy4
on May 28, 2013, 5:04 GMT

Two of Indian team members for the Championship Trophy are under the scanner of Police in India for their role in 'Spot Fixing' during the just concluded IPL. This development places the Champions Trophy under the cloud. Indian players should be subjected to "lie Detector Test" before being allowed to play.

V.L
on May 28, 2013, 3:52 GMT

As much as we all would love to see it happen, we know that its not going to. An SIT investigation has to be forced upon BCCI and Srinivasan should be removed from power with immediate effect or Indian cricket is doomed for the foreseeable future, especially if Srinivasan is re-elected in September! We have made a good start in our rebuilding process by clean sweeping the OZ but if Indian cricket is to go forward then Srinivasan should step back! God! Sharad Pawar seems like a million times more accountable than this guy!

Dummy4
on May 28, 2013, 3:51 GMT

Everybody has their say about the probing of matches but the thing is that if u keep on increasing the number of matches and unnecessary TRPs involve in the game, it is bound to impact on the natural flow of the game, so its just a simple solution to all these to decrease in the no. of matches and cricket being played all over the world, the quality of the game will certainly rise and hence the standards of the game.

Dummy4
on May 28, 2013, 3:46 GMT

This is what happens when money begin to rule the game and it loses its sanctity. save the game for future generations by banning all leagues of T20 games, the Indian, Australian, west Indian, Sri Lankan, Bangladesh all leagues with immediate effect. The likes of Bradman, Compton, May, Cowdrey, Pataudi must be turning in their graves.

Kashi
on May 28, 2013, 3:43 GMT

Agree with some of the comments about cleaning up the game. And that is of primary importance than figuring out degree of guilt of Srinivasan, Shukla, Jaitley, Manohar, Pawar, Ravi Shastri etc.
It is time of introspect IPL. While Cricinfo has done a great job with several articles including 10 questions to Srinivasan, it is high time to see IPL from cricket point of view - not administration, not corruption, not money and glitter. What if anything has IPL done to cricket and particularly Indian Cricket?. If it is BAD for India Cricket consider scrapping it, if it needs vast improvements analyze them. If it is doing great stuff continue it. Basically examine IPL purely from cricket point of view. What has IPL given in last 5/6 episodes to Indian cricket? Have we seen any new finds who represent India at the highest stage (Test and ODI)? Has the game polished the talents of the young Indian cricketers to perform better. Or has it been the opposite? Right Time Cricinfo did this.

Javed
on May 28, 2013, 2:54 GMT

I think Mr Manohar is too ideal. What evidence would be detected of spot fixing? and if this evidence is taken as such, what happens to those who do so by accident?

Jon
on May 27, 2013, 23:36 GMT

@NaveedKhan- a very good point made sir. The biggest problem with corruption in sport is that it makes the fans second guess everything that they have just seen. If you look at any particular incident that may seem odd different fans may interpret it as cheating. This completely ruins sport and those found guilty must be punished. If you read some comments on this thread it is clear that paranoia and second guessing has already entered into some of this minds of the fans of IPL. This scandal will destroy the validity of the tournament and I wouldn't be suprised if this edition just gone will be its last. I think a huge problem with the IPL is the fact that the pride is superficial and it is not such a burden to bowl an over that must go for x amount of runs.

Ian
on May 27, 2013, 23:25 GMT

There is a lot to be said in favour of a thorough investigation of an international event like the IPL: it's a cricketing event which attracts both a lot of cash and players from many locations and backgrounds. A tournament like the IPL is a magnet to those intent on corrupt conduct. If it's happening, there's a fair chance it'll get detected with thorough investigation, and if it's detected, it might uncover some uncomfortable facts relevant to the entire cricketing world.

Naveen
on May 27, 2013, 21:41 GMT

People (so called Cricket Lovers in and out of india)First wanted Sharad Pawar to go, then it was lalit modi, then manohar...now srinivasan.....tomorrow it will be whoever becomes head of BCCI.....People form certain cricketing nations who can not tolerate the new arrogance of BCCI(BTW its almost a decade now) ...well i did say arrogance will harp on anything they get..specially when BCCI itself finds new ways to put itself in questionable situations.

I wonder what letter will Chief of England and Wales Cricket Board will write to BCCI when Srinivasan steps out...like what he wrote when Lalit mod was pushed out.

Silly People will now support whoever makes noise against Srinivasan...and then in next two years will call for his head...when do these people grow up?

Dummy4
on May 27, 2013, 20:44 GMT

Cricinfo is doing a lot for cricket.
Manohar, excellent speech.We are 100% for u and the comments are worth perusing. I am a Srilankan expatrie in Australia.
Ranjan Rodrigo

Dwijottam
on May 27, 2013, 19:55 GMT

Those who love Indian cricket, and not just Indians but all those who love the game, must come together to power change in Indian cricket administration. Mr Srinivasan must go, that is the starting point but that start must occur for anything else to follow. If accountability disappears so completely from a society, people living in it lose the right to so lovely a game. We can't let that happen, we love the game far too much.

ian
on May 27, 2013, 19:48 GMT

Cpt. Meanster: greetings! Yes, corruption happens everywhere, but it happens more often in certain countries - the difference between endemic & occasionally epidemic. I would refer you to Transparency International which rates India 94/176 on 2012 figures; it really is worth your study. I find it heartening that there are some people, like Shashank Manohar, who are have the moral courage to stand up like proud Indians, to tell it how it is. It may not be pleasant for some, but it is far, far better than resigning oneself to the, 'Oh well, this is India. What else can we expect?' attitude, because that way things never get better & cynicism will triumph over integrity every time. Some people want to leave this world a slightly better place than they found it. Others couldn't care less, so long as their nest has been well feathered & their families are catered for. We do actually have a societal responsibility, as I'm sure you'd agree. Otherwise, what's the point?

Jay
on May 27, 2013, 18:13 GMT

I think Sashank Manohar is living in a parallel world where everything is probed and investigated. The reality is that this is INDIA. The top echelons of the BCCI will never agree to that given how some of them have vested interests towards personal agendas and gains; not to mention their president is also the principal owner of the CSK franchise. So I am not sure what Manohar is talking about. If there is one thing the BCCI can do in this situation, it is to ensure cricket as a WHOLE in India stays true and relevant. This is not only about the IPL and if they think this is only about the T20 league, then they will be hurt badly. It also affects the international game BIG TIME. As the most powerful cricket board in the world, the BCCI has equal responsibility towards the world game. Corruption can happen anywhere and not just in India. This is the time for sense to prevail and not raw emotions or hap hazard knee jerk reactions.

Cameron
on May 27, 2013, 18:11 GMT

@Tapoori are you serious? Spot fixing can't be stopped? Of course it can!

Cameron
on May 27, 2013, 18:09 GMT

I mean no disrespect to Indian cricket fans by saying this, this is not about your national team please believe that however, I don't think the BCCI are viewed upon as a trustworthy nor credible organisation. I think the ICC should impose severe penalties on boards that cannot effectively deal with these issues. I don't think this current IPL fiasco warrants a ban from the ICC but the cricket world is watching. The fact that there are relatives of those allegedly involved in fixing on the BCCI does seriously further comprise the integrity of any investigations they may undertake. It would hardly be a rigorous or objective inquiry would it? I a player is fund guilty of fixing the team should face a mandatory 1 year ban - including national sides.

From now on, any event/tournament BCCI organizes or any match played by Team India will be viewed with skepticism and distrust.

Alex
on May 27, 2013, 15:20 GMT

Nothing gona happen. Corruption and nephotism is blood of indian society. Nothing will ever gona change in India unless some catastrophic event happens in india. Evolution happens as the by product of an accident. Need more major accidents happen to change the normal route and belief system of indian society. This wound will be just sealed quickly and time will heal and people forget. Indians are forgettable people. They forget things. One way its good and other way not good. If its not fixable easily forgetting is best cure. goodluck.

SRIRAM
on May 27, 2013, 15:18 GMT

Good decision. Please check the SH vs CSK first match.

Eranga
on May 27, 2013, 15:01 GMT

@GRVJPR and how about the three drops off three balls, M. Hussey being dropped million times a,d more

Dummy4
on May 27, 2013, 14:25 GMT

its the best time to clean up indian cricket..............

Dummy4
on May 27, 2013, 14:23 GMT

How eager was Chennai to AWARD yesterday's cup final to Mumbai. Could be viewed as the starting point of investigation! Didn't anyone notice NOTHING wrong in Chennai's batting collapse?

Syed Asad
on May 27, 2013, 14:08 GMT

I think it is in the best interest of cricket that the whole IPL betting issue is handled quietly and secretly. My worst fears are, the more it gets the attention, more names will surface. Some of them probably will be iconic figures in the game. If the wounds are scratched at a deeper level, the most likely outcome would be, the issue of betting would reach outside India and players and boards from other countries including the ones who portray themselves as clean will also be involved.

Betting is acceptable by ICC and which is the reason most of its members countries have legally allowed betting on cricket. Spot fixing is the by product of betting and cannot be avoided. All the major legal and illegal betting houses have "undocumented" bookies on their profile who arranged the spot fixing in order to minimize the payouts.

Betting and cricket are integral part of each other. No one can stop the betting and spot fixing as long as cricket is played and people are betting on it.

Anit
on May 27, 2013, 12:56 GMT

As long as the corrupt gang is at the helm of BCCI, the inquiries will be superficial. Why would Srinivasan invite more trouble for him? BCCI may have cooperative type structure, but it is still answerable to people as it is the one who is selecting national team that represents the country.

Dummy4
on May 27, 2013, 12:37 GMT

This will put BCCI in a fix !!! I hope that all the matches gets reviewed again !!!

GAURAV
on May 27, 2013, 12:35 GMT

@jadii as per your logic then Dale steyn over in which he gave away 24 runs bowled to MS Dhoni should also be investigated. Also so many slow starts by Openers of Mumbai.

Chatty
on May 27, 2013, 12:28 GMT

Humdingers can't see what the fuss is about 'because this is normal business in India'. I think it is because of people like you, who have complete indifference to corruption, that India will always remain below its potential. Pathetic!

Kavin
on May 27, 2013, 12:26 GMT

Have a supreme court monitored SIT investigation and then see skeletons falling out one by one. I'm afraid, mighty people on stake will never let that happen.

Kavin
on May 27, 2013, 12:23 GMT

There should be SIT or CBI investigation for all the IPLs from 2008 to 2013.

Jawwad
on May 27, 2013, 12:09 GMT

Also probe in to the RCB and CSK match in which CSK needed 2 runs to win on the last ball and RP Singh bowled a masive no-ball which cost RCB the match.
that no-ball was much similar to the one that Aamir bowled but it went un-noticed.

John
on May 27, 2013, 12:05 GMT

Good idea but BCCI wont do it simply because it will kill IPL.

Naresh
on May 27, 2013, 9:51 GMT

Manohar seems like someone who could put BCCI back on track. The fact things have been going on and BCCI has stood by and watched is not good. The IPL has
raised a lot of eyebrows. This is good because the next IPL season will be in better
shape. Some good suggestions have come out from Manohar - I really wish he takes
over when Srinivasan term comes to an end.

Imran
on May 27, 2013, 9:37 GMT

Pointless examining all IPL matches.There are too many irregularities in the tournament.Time is now to start ensuring that these are not repeated in the Champions Trophy and other international tournaments as being done.

ian
on May 27, 2013, 8:21 GMT

@crindex: how can the father, the BCCI, distance himself from his own offspring 'the corruption ridden IPL' [sic]? Disowning your own? That is a terrible thing to do! I do, however, totally agree that an external independent commission is urgently required, as you may know from my post on Srinivasan's 'promise of a fair investigation.' I am afraid he has little or no concept of fairness. BTW, did you notice the huge number of times he said, 'I have done nothing wrong.' At best, this means:I have not made any attempt to do anything right. At worst, it means that if I tell myself that often enough then I will believe it too. It's called being in denial. When an organization is shown to be corrupt, the can is carried by the person in charge. Here, that person is the president & where there is honour in the organization, he goes & thereby retains a vestige of respect for putting up his hand. Best wishes.

Matrix
on May 27, 2013, 7:13 GMT

I agree. This way BCCI can distance itself from the corruption ridden IPL. I dont care about IPL or any franchisee. They are only dirty and betray their fans. An external independent commission is certainly the need of the hour.

Nik
on May 27, 2013, 6:46 GMT

Can't see what the big deal/fuss is all about. Things like this happen on a daily occurrence in India across all facets of business, politics, real estate etc. Actually it is a very concise picture of India itself.

Ranjeet
on May 27, 2013, 6:38 GMT

Although a good suggestion, do not expect Mr Srinivasan to act on it. He is sure to fear the findings which might further destabilise his position.

Dummy4
on May 28, 2013, 10:30 GMT

1960 Cricketer would earn Rs 300 /Test Match.He had to depend on his job for survival . Only the Maharaja's could afford to play full time.The Nawab of Pataudi Jr.taught us how to win.1975 saw the era of Ad's and it was not Brylcream and Palmolive where the earnings were just pennies, but ad firms- TV gave cricketers big money.
The entry of Match Fixing in its crude form in 1990's soon had its toll on cricket leaders in S.Africa & India. The new century heralded death knell of Test Cricket and the entry of pyjama less era in cricket - T20 which gratified all.
The greed of the Cricketers , those in control of the game , and gamblers knew no end.The few ancient retired Test Cricketers and advocates of the Gentleman's game were bought over by the rich board and those who really mattered never objected to the vagaries of T20 and the great temptations it offered the young gullible cricketers. The time has come to save Test Cricket have a accpetable IPL & legalise betting.

Ranjeet
on May 27, 2013, 6:38 GMT

Although a good suggestion, do not expect Mr Srinivasan to act on it. He is sure to fear the findings which might further destabilise his position.

Nik
on May 27, 2013, 6:46 GMT

Can't see what the big deal/fuss is all about. Things like this happen on a daily occurrence in India across all facets of business, politics, real estate etc. Actually it is a very concise picture of India itself.

Matrix
on May 27, 2013, 7:13 GMT

I agree. This way BCCI can distance itself from the corruption ridden IPL. I dont care about IPL or any franchisee. They are only dirty and betray their fans. An external independent commission is certainly the need of the hour.

ian
on May 27, 2013, 8:21 GMT

@crindex: how can the father, the BCCI, distance himself from his own offspring 'the corruption ridden IPL' [sic]? Disowning your own? That is a terrible thing to do! I do, however, totally agree that an external independent commission is urgently required, as you may know from my post on Srinivasan's 'promise of a fair investigation.' I am afraid he has little or no concept of fairness. BTW, did you notice the huge number of times he said, 'I have done nothing wrong.' At best, this means:I have not made any attempt to do anything right. At worst, it means that if I tell myself that often enough then I will believe it too. It's called being in denial. When an organization is shown to be corrupt, the can is carried by the person in charge. Here, that person is the president & where there is honour in the organization, he goes & thereby retains a vestige of respect for putting up his hand. Best wishes.

Imran
on May 27, 2013, 9:37 GMT

Pointless examining all IPL matches.There are too many irregularities in the tournament.Time is now to start ensuring that these are not repeated in the Champions Trophy and other international tournaments as being done.

Naresh
on May 27, 2013, 9:51 GMT

Manohar seems like someone who could put BCCI back on track. The fact things have been going on and BCCI has stood by and watched is not good. The IPL has
raised a lot of eyebrows. This is good because the next IPL season will be in better
shape. Some good suggestions have come out from Manohar - I really wish he takes
over when Srinivasan term comes to an end.

John
on May 27, 2013, 12:05 GMT

Good idea but BCCI wont do it simply because it will kill IPL.

Jawwad
on May 27, 2013, 12:09 GMT

Also probe in to the RCB and CSK match in which CSK needed 2 runs to win on the last ball and RP Singh bowled a masive no-ball which cost RCB the match.
that no-ball was much similar to the one that Aamir bowled but it went un-noticed.

Kavin
on May 27, 2013, 12:23 GMT

There should be SIT or CBI investigation for all the IPLs from 2008 to 2013.

Kavin
on May 27, 2013, 12:26 GMT

Have a supreme court monitored SIT investigation and then see skeletons falling out one by one. I'm afraid, mighty people on stake will never let that happen.

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